PAULA Radcliffe’s return to the Great North Run has been welcomed by Jo Pavey, who will follow closely the race record holder’s progress.

Commonwealth 5000m silver medalist Pavey was forced to pull out of her second attempt at the Tyneside course due to a groin injury, but she’s delighted the field has been strengthened by the returning Radcliffe, who had taken time out to raise her daughter Isla.

“It will be great to see Paula back,” she said. “ I admire everything that she’s achieved in athletics and she is a truly great runner. Her presence will make things tougher for everyone. She always seems to know what to do and I’m expecting her to produce an outstanding showing over a course I know is to her liking.”

Radcliffe, after winning her first title in 2000, three years later roared to a time of 65mins 40secs, still the quickest performance in the world by any woman.

While Radcliffe soaks up the adoration of the North-east crowd, Aniko Kalovics, one of Europe’s top marathon stars, will be aiming to spoil the party.

Tirunesh Dibaba, a major threat to Radcliffe, won’t be competing.

Kara Goucher, the American who denied Pavey a world podium place in the Nagai Stadium with a tremendous surge in the final lap of their encounter, is taking part.

Hendrick Ramaala is returning not only to defend his title but hopefully to match the four victories achieved by Kenya’s Benson Masya between 1991 and 1996.

It won’t be easy for the South African. Sammy Wanjiru, the world record holder, heads the field and the 20-year-old Kenyan has promised something special.

“I want to break the course record,” said Wanjiru of the superb 59mins 5secs performance posted by Eritrea’s world cross country champion Zersenay Tadesse two years ago.

ENGLAND head coach Steve McClaren is taking part in the BUPA Great North Run.

The former Boro boss was the official starter at the event last year, but this year he will ditch the starter's pistol for some running shoes as he bids to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Yorkshire Cancer Centre. Anyone wishing to sponsor Steve should visit the.fa.com website and click on the England page.